89106 Zip Code: The Las Vegas Golden Triangle

 

89106 Zip Code: The Las Vegas Golden Triangle

Las Vegas Golden TriangleIn the shadow of the bright neon lights of the Las Vegas strip, lies a stark contrast to the iconic entertainment capital of the world. Apart from the postman, local police and those who minister to the neediest of residents, the name Las Vegas Golden Triangle, or 89106 may as well be in the Atlantic Ocean someplace off Bermuda. But to thousands of homeless people, the Las Vegas Golden Triangle in the historic Westside of Las Vegas is not only a lifeline; it is a place for hope!

The term Las Vegas Golden Triangle comes from the small plot of real estate straddling highway I-15 between Bonanza and Owens Street. The three points of the triangle are the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, Catholic Charities, and the Salvation Army. It is within the walls of these three locations that thousands of homeless souls escape the pain, confusion, and hopelessness of life on the streets.

Over the past several months, our Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys Community Outreach team has made several visits to this area in hopes of learning first-hand about the current needs facing 98106 and to explore opportunities for our personal injury firm to be of support. Our visits to this area have inspired us to get involved and to become advocates for the important work taking place there. It is our hope that others will be inspired as well.

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission: Henry’s Story

For Henry, the bus ride from the mean streets of San Francisco’s Tenderloin district to Las Vegas was a chance to escape the grip of street life and meth addiction. Like so many new residents, Henry had dreams of starting a new life. Unfortunately, the most prevalent helping hand offered to sooth the pain and anguish of homelessness is in the form of cheap drugs and alcohol. In fact, self-medication is a deadly form of escape for over half of the homeless population.

Shortly after stepping off the Greyhound bus, Henry came to realize that his demons followed him and that the drugs he was escaping from were abundantly available just outside the door of his downtown apartment. Living in a strange town Henry turned back to a life of drugs until he couldn’t take it anymore. It was then that he walked into the Las Vegas Rescue Mission seeking help and hope.

Addiction Programs

Like so many who enter addiction programs, Henry had to learn the reasons for his addiction. Anger was the source of the deep-seated pain that drove him to self-medicate. In a year-long process of guided self-discovery, he recognized the root of his problems and learned that he was ultimately responsible for his past actions and for the way he would respond to future circumstances. Henry stopped running from his demons and made a decision to face the pain head on.

As Henry experienced healing, he was able to re-establish a relationship with his 5-year-old son. The mission helped him understand the role he plays in his son’s future. Today, Henry is working towards being the dad he never had; and is committed to ensuring his son grows up in a loving household; well protected from the street-life that corrupted him.

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission also spent time preparing him for the life he would have after treatment. As part of his recovery plan, Henry learned how to prepare a resume and how to interview. At the end of this process, he was also gifted a suit to wear for his interviews and graduation. It is amazing to see the transformation that has taken place in Henry’s life.

Today, Henry has a new lease on life. His hard work and dedication have paid off and for the first time in a long time; he is not afraid of the future. As he prepares to leave the program, he does so with a renewed sense of hope. The years of addiction which left a wake of destruction in his past are now being overshadowed by a bright future only possibly by the grace of God through the work of The Las Vegas Rescue Mission.

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission is a nonprofit Christian organization that relies solely on the financial contributions of concerned individuals; churches; corporations and other organizations in this Vegas zip code. For more information: www.vegasrescue.org